Infiniti QX50 concept with VC-Turbo engine set for Detroit debut

At the 2017 Detroit Motor show, Infiniti will preview the design of its future SUVs in the shape of the QX50 show car. The concept SUV is also expected to feature the brand's breakthrough VC-Turbo (variable compression) engine technology.

Infiniti is all set to unveil a new mid-size crossover concept at the 2017 Detroit Motor show. Dubbed the QX50, the new concept previews the brand’s future design language that will be adopted by its next-gen SUVs. What’s more, the QX50 is expected to become the first vehicle to come fitted with the firm's breakthrough variable compression petrol engine technology, which was showcased a few months ago.

The QX50 Concept is an evolution of the QX Sport Inspiration concept that made its debut at the 2016 Beijing Motor Show, says the company. And it certainly looks the case since the QX50 retains the taut and muscular design of the previous concept. The interior will be in sync with its cutting edge exterior, featuring a "driver-centric, passenger-minded" cabin.

Commenting on the development, Roland Krueger, President of Infiniti, said, "With the unveiling of the QX Sport Inspiration at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show, we showed the future of Infiniti QX models. The new QX50 Concept evolves this concept further and shows how Infiniti could develop its future presence in the fastest-growing vehicle segment globally."

While Infiniti hasn’t officially confirmed the powertrain for its upcoming model, it has hinted that the QX50 may feature the brand’s ground breaking new VC-Turbo (variable compression turbo) engine. For the uninitiated, the VC-Turbo engine is the world's first production-ready variable compression ratio engine that combines the power of a high-performance 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with the torque and efficiency of an advanced diesel powertrain – or, so claims the company. The engine can offer compression ratio between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency). The engine develops 268bhp and 390 Nm torque, while fuel efficiency will be improved by 27 percent over V6 petrol engines of similar power output, claims Nissan.

More details of the Nissan QX50 concept, along with its future prospects, will surface at the Detroit Motor Show, which goes live from January 8, 2017.